- What Is Alimony: Financial Guide for Divorce
Alimony is a court-ordered sum that one former spouse must pay to another due to a separation or divorce agreement. You might sometimes hear about spousal maintenance or spousal support, which are other terms for alimony. This typically happens when… read more…
- Why Cash Isn’t Trash: Here’s How Fund Managers Are Beating the Market
Actively-managed mutual funds are having their best year since 2009, according to an analysis from Goldman Sachs, which found many active funds decisively beating their benchmarks and, in many cases, the overall market. What’s the secret-sauce these super-savvy fund managers… read more…
- Can You Use Real Estate to Hedge Against Inflation?
Inflation can have a negative impact on normal household spending, from gas to groceries and beyond. This is why many people seek opportunities to hedge their wallets and portfolios against rising inflation as it starts to negatively impact the money.… read more…
- Passive Income vs. Residual Income
Passive income and residual income are two types of personal revenue that separately or together can have a sizable effect on an individual’s financial comfort and ability to reach financial goals. Passive income is money earned without significant ongoing active… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: Should I Stop Reinvesting Dividends?
Is there a point at which I should stop reinvesting stock dividends and invest the money or save the cash? -Anonymous Many financial experts recommend that you reinvest dividends most of the time – and I’m inclined to agree. The… read more…
- 12 Topics Advisors Should Discuss With Clients During Market Volatility
Periods of market volatility can be distressing to clients. Savvy financial advisors know, however, that unsettling market conditions present an opportunity to touch base with clients and demonstrate value. Here are 12 topics Vanguard says advisors can discuss with clients… read more…
- Vanguard Says There’s a 65% Chance of a Recession – Here’s What to Do
Analysts at the mutual fund giant Vanguard estimate the likelihood that the U.S. will drop into a full-blown recession sometime during the next 12 months at 25%, and some time during the next 24 months at 65%. The Vanguard analysts… read more…
- How to Check a Financial Advisor’s Credentials
Looking for qualified financial advisors is easier in today’s world than it has been in the past. Of course, you still have to vet candidates to make sure that you are getting the right guidance for your financial needs. Many… read more…
- What States Are Paying a Fourth Stimulus Check?
There likely won’t be another stimulus check from the federal government coming anytime soon. But a number of states have approved a fourth stimulus check for their residents — welcome news amid rampant inflation. And more states could do the… read more…
- What Is a Dependent Care Assistance Program?
A sole proprietor or self-employed person can receive some of the dependent-care benefits available to employees through cafeteria plans by setting up a Dependent Care Assistance Program. These are funded entirely by the business, unlike cafeteria plans that allow employees… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: My Kids Inherited $5 Million. How Should They Handle It?
My children have inherited $5 million of stock from their father (whose estate has not yet been dispersed after 11 months) leaving them with a 30% or so loss of value over which they have had no control. Is there… read more…
- Student Loan Forgiveness May Hit You With a Heavy Tax Bill
Depending on where they live, student borrowers may soon face an unexpected tax burden. In August, the Biden Administration made news by announcing that it would forgive up to $10,000 in student debt for most borrowers and up to $20,000… read more…
- What Percent of Your Income Should Be Saved?
From buying your first home to creating college funds for children, everyone has aspirations that depend mainly on their financial capacity. While borrowing is an option for many households, saving money keeps you debt-free and financially healthy. However, saving isn’t… read more…
- What Is Disinflation?
Disinflation occurs when the rate of inflation decelerates. During disinflation, wages and prices continue to increase, but the speed of the increase is slower than it was previously. Disinflation is distinct from deflation, which happens when broad measures of wages… read more…
- How Usury Laws Regulate Loan Interest Rates
Usury laws protect borrowers in many states and some borrowers nationwide from being charged excessively high interest rates. However, state standards for excessive interest vary widely, and federal banking laws let credit card issuers, among others, charge essentially whatever the… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I’m Losing Money on Investments. How Can My Advisor Let This Happen?
I’m constantly losing money on stock and cryptocurrency investments. And I paid for the advice that has given me the information that I’ve used to do this. For example, I was told to buy a specific stock and lost money… read more…
- Bain & Co. Identifies What Young, Affluent Clients Want From Advisors
As young investors grow their wealth, financial services firms gain a once-in-a-generation opportunity to score new business, according to a brief from management consulting firm Bain & Company. Wealth management is an important path through which to connect to this… read more…
- Using Mental Accounting in Finance
Investors value money differently based on their experiences, goals and beliefs. This process is known as mental accounting, and it often affects how we budget and spend our money. Mental accounting can also affect our investment decisions, leading us to… read more…
- Ask an Advisor: I lost My Job. Can I Tap Retirement Accounts Without Penalties?
I lost my job last year and need to take care of a parent. In doing that, I must withdraw money from my retirement. I don’t understand the tax implications and penalties. I would also like access to any savings… read more…
- How Advisors Keep Investors on Track During a Market Selloff
Retirement investors working with advisors generally displayed more disciplined investing behavior than other types of investors, according to a recent study of self-directed brokerage accounts by Charles Schwab. Investors with “advised accounts” tended to have a more diversified asset mix,… read more…
- How to Find a CFA: Financial Advisor Guide
A CFA or chartered financial analyst is a professional who offers investment advice and portfolio management. Their focus, which is on analyzing specific securities and various financial reports, is distinct from but complementary of the focus that financial planners have. All CFAs… read more…
- Commercial Banking vs. Investment Banking
Commercial banks and investment banks have similar names, but the overlap largely ends there. A commercial bank is a depository and lending institution that mainly works with business clients. Typically these firms specialize in small- and mid-sized businesses, although they can… read more…
- Unclaimed Money From Deceased Relatives
Receiving an inheritance, whether it’s expected or unexpected, can help to improve your financial outlook. But through poor oversight or lack of planning, an inheritance could be temporarily displaced. It’s possible that you may have unclaimed money from deceased relatives… read more…
- What Is a Family Trust, and How Do You Set One Up?
Trusts are used to manage estate taxes, shelter assets from creditors and pass on wealth to future generations. A family trust is a specific type of trust that families can use to create a financial legacy for years to come.… read more…
- Financial Advisors for Social Security
When it comes to getting ready for retirement, there are many questions surrounding Social Security. Some of the most important include deciding how Social Security payments will fit into your overall retirement income plan and figuring out when to start… read more…